On June 20, 2025, the first day of the 1st Test between India and England at Headingley, Leeds, marked the dawn of a new era for Indian Test cricket under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. England, led by Ben Stokes, won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit early morning conditions.
However, India’s batsmen had other plans, powering their way to a commanding 359/3 in 85 overs by stumps. Centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, coupled with Rishabh Pant’s explosive 65*, ensured India dominated proceedings, setting the stage for an enthralling Test match.
Morning Session: A Solid Start
The day began with England’s decision to bowl first, a choice influenced by overcast skies and a pitch expected to assist seamers early on. India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, faced a probing spell from England’s pace attack, led by Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse.
Despite the conditions, the duo batted with composure, reaching 50 in the 15th over. Jaiswal’s crisp cover drives and Rahul’s steady defense kept the scoreboard ticking. Their 91-run opening stand was broken when Rahul, on 42 off 78 balls, edged a cover drive off Carse to Joe Root at slip. Sai Sudharsan, making his Test debut, followed soon after, caught down the leg side off Stokes for a duck. At lunch, India were 92/2 in 25.4 overs, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 42.
Afternoon Session: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Masterclass
The post-lunch session saw Jaiswal take charge, transforming his cautious start into a display of controlled aggression. His off-side strokeplay was a sight to behold, with 17 boundaries—all on the off-side—including a stunning six over cover. Jaiswal reached his fifty in 70 balls and accelerated to his fifth Test century in 144 deliveries, his first in England.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings was not without drama; he survived an LBW appeal when England failed to review and benefited from a no-ball call. Jaiswal’s 101 off 158 balls ended when Stokes bowled him post-tea, but not before he had anchored India to a strong position.
Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, joined Jaiswal at the crease and immediately looked at ease. The 25-year-old, batting at No. 4, survived an early run-out scare when a direct hit from mid-off missed the stumps. Gill’s fluent strokeplay, including a rapid fifty off 56 balls, signaled his intent to lead from the front. The Jaiswal-Gill partnership added 130 runs for the third wicket, taking India past 200 in the 49th over. By tea, India were 215/2 in 51 overs, with Jaiswal on 100* and Gill on 58*.
Evening Session: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant Take Over
The final session belonged to Gill and Pant, who put England’s bowlers to the sword. Gill, in his first match as Test captain, converted his fifty into a century, reaching the milestone off 98 balls with a classic cover drive off Woakes. His unbeaten 127 off 175 balls, featuring 16 fours and a six, was a statement of intent.
Shubman Gill’s innings was not just about runs but also about leadership, as he rotated the strike and maintained pressure on England’s tiring attack. His performance drew praise on social media, with former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh lauding his captaincy debut on X.
Some things clearly are written in the stars 🌟 Congratulations @ShubmanGill on your first overseas century as Test captain 💯 You clearly understand what a serious responsibility it is and you’ve let your bat do all the talking 🤫 Well done 🤛🏻 and here’s to many more! #INDvsENG
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 20, 2025
Rishabh Pant, returning to Test cricket against England after three years, brought his trademark flair to the crease. Batting at No. 5, Pant smashed a four off his second ball over Stokes’ head and later launched a towering straight six off Woakes. His 65* off 102 balls included 6 fours and 2 sixes, with a memorable slog-sweep that toe-ended through mid-on for a boundary. Pant’s aggressive approach electrified the Headingley crowd, and his unbroken 138-run partnership with Gill took India to 359/3 by stumps.
England’s Bowling Struggles
England’s bowlers toiled on a pitch that flattened out as the day progressed. Ben Stokes was the pick, claiming 2 wickets (Sudharsan and Jaiswal), but his efforts were overshadowed by India’s batting dominance. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse struggled for consistency, while the absence of James Anderson left England’s attack lacking bite.
A fielding error by Joe Root, whose helmet was struck by the ball, resulted in five penalty runs for India, adding to England’s frustrations. The hosts’ decision to bowl first, hoping for early wickets, backfired as India’s batsmen capitalized on the conditions.
The New Era of Indian Test Cricket
Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut was a resounding success, both with the bat and in his leadership. At 25, he is one of India’s youngest Test captains, and his century on debut places him among elite company. His calm demeanor and attacking intent signal a shift towards a more aggressive brand of Test cricket for India. Gill’s previous captaincy experience in T20Is during India’s Zimbabwe tour in 2024, where he led the team to a 4-1 series win, prepared him for this moment.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century further cements his status as a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. His ability to adapt to English conditions, following his prolific home series against England, bodes well for India’s future. Rishabh Pant’s return adds firepower to the middle order, with his fearless approach capable of turning games in India’s favor. With veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent, this young brigade is stepping up, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian cricket.
Looking Ahead
India’s 359/3 puts them in a commanding position, with Gill and Pant set to resume on Day 2. England will need a disciplined bowling effort to restrict India’s lead and avoid a daunting first-innings total. For India, the focus will be on building a massive score, with Gill and Pant capable of accelerating further. The performances of Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant have set a high benchmark, and the cricketing world will be watching to see if this young Indian side can sustain their momentum.
Day 1 of the 1st Test was a resounding success for India, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century, Shubman Gill’s captain’s knock, and Rishabh Pant’s explosive return stealing the show. The new era of Indian Test cricket under Gill’s leadership has begun with a bang, and England faces a tough challenge to claw their way back. As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy unfolds, India’s young stars have sent a clear message: they are here to dominate.